Proverbs 17:26

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
– Proverbs 17:26

The word for just means lawful, or righteous. The word for equity means upright, or straight, and it is used for what is right, or due. The word for punish means to fine and the word for strike means to beat, i.e., to flog as punishment. The proverb makes the point by juxtaposing an absurdity with a greater absurdity. Fining, or punishing, those who are doing what is right is not good in any sense. It is an abomination (Proverbs 17:15). Princes are rulers of some sort and it’s beyond absurd to envision their beating for executing their office justly. They’re being punished for not miscarrying justice through the respecting of persons (Proverbs 18:15).

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